"John the Baptist was pronounced by our Saviour the greatest of prophets. Yet what a contrast between the language of this man of God and that of many who profess to be ministers of the cross. When asked if he was the Christ, John declares himself unworthy even to unloose his Master's sandals. When his disciples came with the complaint that the attention of the people was turned to the new Teacher, John reminded them that he himself had claimed to be only the forerunner of the Promised One. To Christ, as the bridegroom, belongs the first place in the affections of His people. “The friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all.” “He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” 5T 224.1"
"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."
EGW directly quotes and discusses John 3:29, highlighting John the Baptist's role as the friend of the bridegroom and his joy in Christ's increasing influence. This is a clear and direct allusion.
"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
EGW discusses John the Baptist's humility and his role as a forerunner to Christ, referencing his statement about being unworthy to unloose Christ's sandals. This aligns with the general theme of Matthew 11:11, which acknowledges John's greatness but also implies a greater status for those in the kingdom of heaven. While not a direct quote, the passage amplifies the theme of John's role and humility.
"It is such workers that are needed in the cause of God today. The self-sufficient, the envious and jealous, the critical and faultfinding, can well be spared from His sacred work. They should not be tolerated in the ministry, even though they may apparently have accomplished some good. God is not straitened for men or means. He calls for workers who are true and faithful, pure and holy; for those who have felt their need of the atoning blood of Christ and the sanctifying grace of His Spirit. 5T 224.2"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
EGW's call for true, faithful, pure, and holy workers in God's cause echoes the sentiment in Matthew 9:37-38, where Jesus notes the abundance of the harvest but the scarcity of laborers. Both passages emphasize the need for dedicated and qualified individuals to serve in God's work.
"My brethren, God is grieved with your envying and jealousies, your bitterness and dissension. In all these things you are yielding obedience to Satan and not to Christ. When we see men firm in principle, fearless in duty, zealous in the cause of God, yet humble and lowly, gentle and tender, patient toward all, ready to forgive, manifesting love for souls for whom Christ died, we do not need to inquire: Are they Christians? They give unmistakable evidence that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. When men reveal the opposite traits, when they are proud, vain, frivolous, worldly-minded, avaricious, unkind, censorious, we need not be told with whom they are associating, who is their most intimate friend. They may not believe in witchcraft; but, notwithstanding this, they are holding communion with an evil spirit. 5T 224.3"
"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,"
EGW lists negative traits like envying, jealousies, bitterness, and dissension, contrasting them with Christian virtues. This aligns with Galatians 5:20, which lists similar vices as works of the flesh. While not a direct quote, the thematic overlap is significant and supports the connection.